March 17, 2024 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, March 17, at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. A video recording of the live stream will be available on our YouTube channel from 6:00 PM EST on Sunday, March 17.
Previous livestreams and other worship and musical content is available on our YouTube channel. You can also check out our entire worship services archive. Our SoundCloud channel has yet more music and worship content.
Introit
Prelude
Lighting of the Christ Candle
This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.
Call to Worship
From the the PSW&D Lenten Liturgy.
One: On this fifth Sunday of Lent, we discover a troubled Jesus in prayer as he contemplates his death on the cross.
All: We are grateful for the prayers of Jesus and for the times in the gospels when Jesus prayed.
One: In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus threw himself on the ground and prayed, “Remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”
All: And so we pray, as Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Opening Hymn
“O Love that wilt not let me go” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 209). Words (1882) by Scottish minister and hymnwriter George Matheson (1842–1906). Music (1884; tune “St. Margaret”) by English composer Albert Lister Peace (1844–1912). Words and music in the public domain.
Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Creating God, Loving Christ, Guiding Spirit,
With the promise of spring and new life awakening, you wake us from our slumbers. You are faithful to us through every season of the year and every season of life. The hope you offer in Jesus Christ draws us together, as your Spirit rises within our hearts. Even as the cross looms on the horizon, we praise you for Jesus’ courage and compassion, which bring renewal to us in the midst of all our challenges. We praise you, O God, for such love that will never let us go.
Gracious and Loving God,
as we draw closer to the Cross, we recognize ways we fall short of your hope for us. We get lost in our own concerns and neglect to show love, even to those right beside us. We find some people too difficult to care for. We think others unworthy of your love and ours. Forgive us and renew a right spirit within us, so that we find the courage to go on and the compassion to reach out in your name.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Jesus said, Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Friends, trust that peace and forgiveness are God’s gifts to you this day. Be renewed by the power of the Spirit that moves with you into each new day.
All: Thanks be to God!
The Peace
One: The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.
The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)
Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)
We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.
“Jesus loves me, this I know” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions and music in the public domain.
Scripture Reading
John 12:20–33 <– this links to on-line text of the NRSV bible
Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
John 12:20–33
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Sermon
Everyone has a different definition of success. In fact, our own definition of success changes as we age. I believe that as we mature, we tend to focus less on outer success and more on finding meaning and inner contentment. … (Personal reflection on success) … .
This applies to our faith journey as well. We often start our faith journey with childish expectations, hoping that God will grant our every wish and prayer, and protect us from all dangers and failures. However, through many ups and downs, our faith becomes less about trying to control God or getting things we want from God, and it becomes more about deepening our listening and journey with God. Our faith becomes about a journey of deepening our trust in God in every moment of our lives.
Having faith in God is not about believing that we will always win, succeed, or prosper because God is with us. It is about believing that even when I lose, God will win. It is about believing that even when I fail, God will succeed. I believe that is the message of the cross: Even when I fail, God will succeed. Even when I lose, God will win. Even when I die, God will live. It is not about ensuring that I win or not but ensuring that God will be revealed in our lives, both in our winning and losing.
The story of Jesus that we read from the Gospel of John today, and the decisions Jesus made that led him to the cross, invite us to reflect on the message of the cross and the message of the resurrection.
I would like to highlight verse 23 which summarizes the message of the cross and the resurrection. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Jesus makes clearer in verse 27 and 28, 27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”
It was clear that Jesus wasn’t thinking about how to add more followers.
It was clear that Jesus wasn’t thinking about expanding his influence and ministry into a new region. Jesus was thinking about glorifying God.
Personally, I would translate ‘to glorify’ as ‘to worship.’
To worship means to prostrate, to bow down, to lower ourselves.
… (Personal reflection on true worship and what is not) … .
Jesus summarizes the message of the cross and the message of the resurrection in the text (24–25). 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. As we head into the final two weeks of Lent, as we reflect on the message of the cross and the power of the resurrection, may we rediscover our confidence in God’s grace, “Even when we fail, God will not fail.”
Please, join our Sunday worship service 11 am, either in person or virtually, to hear the full version of the sermon.
Hymn
“Open our eyes, Lord” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 445). Words and music (1976) by American minister and composer Robert “Bob” Cull (1949–). Words and music copyright © 1976 Maranatha! Music, distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
Offering
May we present our gifts to God in response to what we have received from God?
Musical Reflection
We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.
Dedication of our Gifts
Our offering will now be received.
Doxology 306
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100th” with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.
Prayer of dedication
God of growth and new life, with our gifts we offer you our thanks and praise for the promise of spring and the promise of resurrection in Christ Jesus. With these gifts, accomplish more than we can ask or imagine, as they bear fruit in the world you love, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope
Steadfast God,
amid many changes and challenges around us, we are grateful that you are with us. You understand our fears; you support and guide us; and you give us courage to face whatever lies ahead. Thank you for the gift of faith, a solid rock to support us, and so we trust that you keep working, in ways seen and unseen, for goodness to prevail.
Loving God,
in this time of when there is much to be anxious about, we pray for the world you love. Send your healing Spirit to bring peace with justice to the troubled places, Bring care and comfort to those who have been hurt in conflict, wisdom to those who seek to end hostilities, and courage to those who advocate for the most vulnerable.
Send your healing Spirit to mend relationships between religious groups and cultural groups who find themselves in tension or turmoil. We pray for mutual respect to grow between people who look at each other with suspicion, and among people who have painful histories with each other. Open our hearts and minds to those whose situations and concerns we don’t understand, and bring your gift of reconciliation to us all.
Send your healing Spirit to people we know and to the earth you love. We remember before you friends in grief… those suffering illness and all waiting for treatment… those facing difficulty at work or finding work… disagreements in our church or community… concerns about the environment we depend on… .
We pray for the continuing ministry of the Church in our neighbourhoods and around the world. As we move toward our celebration of Christ’s resurrection, send your healing Spirit to raise our hearts and our hopes with the promise of new life in Christ. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain in us all a willing spirit. Amen.
Closing Hymn
“Great is thy faithfulness” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 324). Words (1923) by American songwriter Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960). Music (1923) by his friend, American composer William M. Runyan (1870–1957). Words and music in the public domain.
Changing the Light
Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.
Benediction
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (the risen Christ), the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.
Blessing
“The Lord bless you and keep you”. Words from the Aaronic Blessing. Music by English composer John Rutter (1945–). Words public domain. Music copyright © 1981, 2015 Oxford University Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
Postlude
Copyright © 2024 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church
Last updated 2024-03-16 20:00 – First version.